Hunt & Live

Wilson County, TN

158,555 residents · 571 sq mi · 277.6/sq mi · 35% rural

Climate
58.9°F
54" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.87
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18.8°F

About Wilson County

Wilson County is a county in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is in Middle Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 147,737. Its county seat is Lebanon. The largest city is Mt. Juliet. Wilson County is part of the Nashville metropolitan area.

37
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2365 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of suburban and rural environments, with a population density of 277.6 people per square mile and 35% of the land classified as rural. The climate is humid with an annual mean temperature of 58.9°F and an average annual rainfall of 54 inches, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. USDA zone 8b suggests good potential for gardening and self-sufficient living, although the proximity to urban Nashville may limit complete remoteness.

The county faces significant natural hazards, notably a high risk of cold waves, winter weather, and earthquakes, all ranked at 89 by FEMA. Tornadoes and riverine flooding are also concerns, ranked at 86 and 82, respectively. The median home price is $358,900, which may pose affordability issues for some, especially considering the median household income of $89,462. The violence percentile at 38 indicates a moderate level of safety, which may affect some individuals' comfort levels.

This county could be a good fit for homesteaders looking for a balance between rural living and access to urban resources. Those who thrive here may appreciate the growing season and community amenities. However, individuals seeking complete isolation or those who are highly risk-averse regarding natural disasters might find the area's hazards and density less appealing. The hidden gem may be the broadband availability, which can facilitate remote work or online learning for homesteaders.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #2,603 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#68 of 95 in TN
Ranked #68 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: cold wave
FEMA ranks cold wave risk at 89/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 278/sqmi
Densely populated at 278 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.9°F annual mean and 54.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $358,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
23
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
80
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
86
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
80
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 89
Drought 31
Earthquake 89
Hail 82
Hurricane 39
Heat Wave 62
Riverine Flood 82
Ice Storm 81
Landslide 30
Lightning 75
Strong Wind 71
Tornado 86
Wildfire 37
Winter Weather 89

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89°F
Winter low
28.8°F
Heating degree days
3,709
Cooling degree days
1,515

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$358,900
Median HH income
$89,462
Price to income
Property tax rate
0.47%
~$1,693/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40
Homeownership
77.1%
Poverty rate
8.3%
Unemployment
3.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
77.5%
No internet access
7.2%

Explore Wilson County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.